Test Strip Upstream Region Analysis for Sample Type Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems using test strips struggle to accurately identify the type of sample before measurement, leading to potential calibration errors and incorrect results, especially when distinguishing between whole blood and blood plasma samples.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system comprising a test strip with an introduction portion, a measurement portion, and a developing portion, along with a light source, imaging section, and analysis section, which determines the sample type by analyzing optical information from the upstream region of the developing portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sample type identification is performed using optical information from the upstream region of the developing portion, then measurement accuracy is improved by preventing calibration errors, but device complexity increases due to additional imaging and analysis components
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into distinct functional regions: an upstream region for sample type identification and a downstream measurement portion for quantitative analysis. The imaging section captures optical information from the upstream region separately, allowing independent analysis of sample type without interfering with the measurement process. This segmentation enables accurate sample type identification while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sample type identification in advance by analyzing optical information from the upstream region before proceeding to the actual measurement. The analysis section determines the sample type (whole blood, plasma, or serum) based on optical characteristics detected in the upstream region, and this preliminary identification is used to select the appropriate calibration curve for subsequent measurement, preventing calibration errors.
2Reliability
If the system captures optical information from the upstream region for sample type identification, then calibration error prevention is improved, but measurement time increases due to additional imaging steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the sample type identification process with the existing measurement workflow by using the same imaging section and light source for both functions. The imaging section captures optical information from the entire test strip including the upstream region, and the analysis section processes this information to determine sample type. This merging allows sample type identification to be performed without adding separate imaging hardware or significant time overhead, as the optical information is captured during the normal measurement sequence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate identification of sample type before measurement, preventing calibration errors and ensuring correct results by distinguishing between whole blood and blood plasma samples based on optical information analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light source radiating light of a predetermined wavelength onto the test strip into which the sample is introduced
Implementation Method 2
an imaging section acquiring optical information of the test strip irradiated by the light source
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement system (10) that includes: a test strip (60) including an introduction portion (63) at an upstream side into which a sample is introduced, a measurement portion (72) at a downstream side on which a reaction reagent that reacts with a measurement target contained in the sample is immobilized, and a developing portion (73) for spreading the sample from the introduction portion (63) to downstream of the measurement portion (72); a light source (42) radiating light of a predetermined wavelength onto the test strip (60) into which the sample is introduced; an imaging section (51) acquiring optical information of the test strip (60) irradiated by the light source (42); and an analysis section (250) determining a type of the sample from the optical information of an upstream region (74) located at an upstream side in the developing portion (73) from among the optical information acquired by the imaging section (51).